Search, Ponder, and Pray

My small family gets together every morning to read the scriptures.  Currently, we are reading the Old Testamen and the Doctrine and Covenants.  It is hard work.  It can be frustrating some mornings when he girls are tires and falling asleep in various positions on the couch.  It can be difficult when the fighting breaks out or the whinning.  It can be hard when I don't want to get out of bed. 
The funny thing that I have noticed though, is that we are all getting so much out of studying.  I thought the Old Testament would be so hard, and that they would not understand what they are reading.  Turns out that is completely untrue.  They actually pay attention while they are pretending to be asleep.  They are learning and growing as we read and study together.  The best part of this is that they seem to really love to do it. 
I am surprised on many mornings when I would be prone to wallow in my bed, but get up and come in the living room to discover that all three girls are there a head of me.  They are sitting on the couch with thier scriptures opened and waiting for their dad and I to join them. 
I am learning that we don't have to understand every single word in order to feel the spirit in our lives and in order to have the desire to read it again.  I am learning that discussing the stories and the scriptures brings a tone of peace and harmony in our home.  There always seem to be the little "gotcha" scriptures.  The ones that make me sit up and take notice.  The ones that help me teach a point or help with a difficulty.  The "Ah Ha" moment if you will. 
For us, those little moments are what makes reading so very enjoyable.  Those times when we see everything start to make a difference in their lives.  So, my challenge to you today is to take one half an hour every morning and just read out loud to your family.  Gather them around and heap up big tablespoons of the Spirit to start off your day.  I think you might be surprised at the difference that few minutes can make. 
Don't expect it to be perfect.  I can pretty much guarantee that it won't be.  But do expect it to change you life.  Because I can also guarantee that it will. 

We live in the present.

We dream in the future.

But we learn eternal truths

From the past. 

“Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when the spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great scriptures goes down into their heart like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts.”

Neil L. Andersen